Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

"To be in the social thick of it Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023, few hotels have a history that is as zeitgeist-y as Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong's—this is where David Bowie met up with John Lennon for the last time, where Christian Dior debuted his Boutique Collection in Asia, where Muhammad Ali stopped en route to Beijing at the request of then Chairman Deng Xiaoping, where Margaret Thatcher mulled over the terms of the now-defunct Sino-British Joint Declaration. It's not just the MO's storied past that draws guests back time and time again; there's a brilliant spa set over three levels and 10 bars and restaurants, including Man Wah (freshly redecorated with China-blue panelling, red lanterns, and gold birdcage lamps) and new addition The Aubrey, a Japanese Izakaya with maximalist interiors and a busy bar. A renovation across this year will bring new look rooms and restaurants. We can hardly wait for the big reveal." - Lee Cobaj

"How did it strike you on arrival?Recalling its roots as one of Hong Kong’s first luxury hotels (est. in 1963), the entrance to this Mandarin is all glossy black marble. A famous afternoon tea is served in the Clipper Lounge off one side of the lobby and cocktails and live music in the mahogany-colored Captain’s Bar off the other. The old-school glamour comes with a prime location, steps from Hong Kong’s preeminent business and shopping district. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The majority of travelers in the tearoom and the bar look as if they’ve come from a board meeting or a fashion show—Hermes, Chanel, custom tailoring and wing-tips. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Unless you’ve booked a suite, the rooms might feel on the small side, starting at about 334 square feet, which is typical in Central. If you’re counting on a harbor view, be sure to choose a Statue Square or Harbor View room, otherwise you’ll peer into a neighboring office tower. Colonial-era luxe is the aesthetic—wood-paneled walls, classic furniture, and gorgeous Jim Thompson silk textiles. Our favorite aspect of the Harbor View rooms is the comfy window seat, where you can cozy up with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and watch the famous waterway at sunset. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The king-size beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton linens that wick away moisture in the night and a mountain of pillows in different shapes. For the pillow particular, there’s a menu that includes buckwheat, down, foam, maternity—even a NASA pillow developed for astronauts suffering from neck or back pain. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The mini bar comes stocked with a few upscale offerings—Champagne, New Zealand sauvignon blanc, fresh juices, coconut water, and a few snacks. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathrooms are visions of black-and-white marble and black tile, appointed with dual-head showers and a brilliant stand-alone mirror that swivels to catch you at every angle. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi is free. The catch? You must create an online profile and book stays directly on the hotel’s website. Room service: Worth it?Much of what’s on the vast in-room menu is prepared in the hotel’s top-notch kitchens—Pierre, The Chinnery, and Man Wah Chinese among them. Favorite among the regulars here: Hainanese chicken rice. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Mandarin Oriental is home to an incredible array of restaurants, bars and the notable Cake Shop, where you can sample ornate cakes, fluffy scones and flaky croissants any time of day. We’d also recommend reserving a table at The Chinnery for Indian, followed by Captain’s Bar for a pint of Young Master Ale and a bit of live music. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the elusive and experimental Krug Room—a private chef’s table behind The Chinnery—can be booked for twosomes on Thursdays and Saturdays (otherwise you’ll have to book out the whole room to dine here). What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?With an MTR station just outside, the Mandarin Oriental promises an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. But as avid swimmers, we were disappointed with the puny indoor pool, which couldn’t have been more than 10 meters long. The hotel makes up for this with an impressive spa, a hair salon, well-equipped gym, and barber shop (where ladies and gents alike can try the famous Shanghainese pedicure). Bottom line: worth it, and why?The location alone is reason enough to book this historic Hong Kong hotel, but the luxurious spa, excellent restaurants, and cool Captain’s Bar keep guests coming back." - Kate Springer

"Despite being just a 40-minute drive away from the airport, the Mandarin Oriental is located in the heart of Hong Kong ’s Central district, surrounded by major business hubs, the thriving art scene, and cultural sites. Inside the 432 rooms and 67 suites, the decor nods at the hotel's Chinese heritage, and there's high-speed Internet and an interactive entertainment system. A SMART lighting system and pillow menu make sure you have a restful night’s sleep, and butler services are on hand as well. For an ultimate indulgence, the stunning 3,843-square-meter presidential Mandarin Suite provides a stay that you will never forget. You'll have to spend quite of time in Hong Kong to work your way through the hotel’s many gastronomic offerings: 10 on-site restaurants, including three with Michelin star accolades, will satisfy every craving. Meanwhile, the award-wining spa specializes in traditional Chinese medicine therapy to ease post-travel muscles. A 24-hour indoor pool and fitness center allows you to keep to your exercise routine while away from home. The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, is truly representative of contemporary luxury, and has remained one of the most iconic hotels in Hong Kong for over 55 years."

"When I was a child, my mother would take me for afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental as a treat. We would sit in the Clipper Lounge, on the mezzanine floor overlooking the lobby, smearing rose-petal jam on plump scones delivered by waiters in white tunics—all amid a caravanserai of taipans and politicians, celebrities and royals, tourists and cheongsam-clad ladies. Forty years later, I continue the ritual with my niece. The Mandarin (as it’s affectionately known to all who’ve stayed) is an institution. Not the stale and stuffy kind. No, this hotel has always been fun—a celebration of Hong Kong’s unique identity. A place that zips along with the same energy as the horses that gallop around the Happy Valley racecourse—and not even 20 months of border closures have slowed its pace. There’s a terrific new bar, The Aubrey, an izakaya that pokes gentle fun at the 19th-century European trend for Japonisme with its wonderfully opulent design: dark wood paneling, jewel-toned velvets, walls of gilt-framed paintings, and trailing ferns above a puzzle of snugs and banquettes. And while Cantonese restaurant Man Wah has occupied the same spot overlooking the dome of the former Supreme Court since 1968, it’s been theatrically updated with China-blue walls, brass birdcage lamps, and calligraphy artwork (the dim sum remains as divine as ever). For the first time in its history, the hotel now also has a club lounge with cocktail hours and afternoon tea. But it’s not the new attractions that really matter. What counts is that the Mandarin Oriental remains a much-loved symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan history. Doubles from $330. —Lee Cobaj" - CNT Editors

"On a five-hour layover in Hong Kong, the glittering city felt wildly alive at a dinner in the Mandarin Oriental."